“None of the Above” by I.W. Gregorio (review)

I.W. Gregorio’s debut novel casts light on what life is like for someone who doesn’t quite fit in the “Male” or “Female” boxes.

“None of the Above,” surgeon I.W. Gregorio’s debut novel, is an insightful story about a popular high school girl — cheerleader, athlete, full ride to college, hot boyfriend — who inadvertently discovers she’s intersex. More accurately, she has androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). (“None of the Above” is a reference to the M/F gender boxes on registration forms.)

In this case, Kristin was born without a uterus or ovaries, or a penis. Her hidden testes initially are diagnosed as a hernia by her doctor. She finds this out in the aftermath of her attempt to have sex with her boyfriend. (For shocked parents reading this, the average age at which an American surrenders virginity is 17.1 years. AVERAGE. Think about that.)

The diagnosis throws Kristin’s life into a tailspin. Her boyfriend is horrified. (OMG, does this mean he’s gay?!?!?) Her classmates, even the well-meaning ones, have no idea how to react to someone who is None Of The Above:

“Krissy,” Faith said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Your sister was there. I couldn’t say it in front of her.”
“That you’re…partly a man?”
I flinched like I’d been slapped. “Is that what Vee told you?”
“No. Yes. I mean, that was kind of the take-home message.”

Kristin’s dad is suddenly uncomfortable and awkward in his daughter’s presence. When Kristin excuses herself from class to go to the bathroom, a self-appointed wit snipes “Is that for the girls’ bathroom or the boys’?”

She goes through a level of hell that transgendered teens (and adults) will recognize, but she emerges stronger, more confident, and willing to “forgive and be forgiven.” It’s not exactly Happily Ever After, but she’s heading in the right direction.

An Author’s Note offers a personal story as well as references for readers with AIS, including recommended reading and websites.